Owners filed 204 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system › instrument cluster/panel. It has been recalled 6 times.
When it fails
06320063,200 milesMedian miles at failure
167 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
40
0
0
0
Service Brakes
30
2
0
0
Electrical System
19
0
1
0
Air Bags
8
1
0
5
Steering
7
0
0
0
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
6
0
0
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
5
2
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control
4
0
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
4
2
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
4
0
0
0
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling06V289000
Filed Aug 3, 200638,439 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.
Risk. IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.
Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Defect. ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
Risk. A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic05V043000
Filed Feb 8, 200577,411 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Risk. IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic04V045000
Filed Feb 4, 200468,875 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
Risk. CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.
Remedy. DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Mar 31, 2026NC
Front passenger dash airbag spontaneously deployed without any inciting event. The vehicle is at the Team Chevrolet Goldsboro dealership. A case has been opened with General Motors Case Number XXX. No prior warning - it smoked for a few seconds then deployed. No prior warning lights.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Apr 22, 2024150,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the instrument panel gauges, and warning lights functionality became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jan 3, 2023200,000 milesWV
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph he noticed the temperature gauge increased to the high indicator. The engine coolant hot message was displayed. The contact stated that while attempting to pull over there was an abnormal popping noise and smoke was detected. The air bag warning light illuminated and the driver's side air bag deployed without impact or crash and struck the driver in the face, chest, and right hand. There was no medical attention provided, or a fire or police report filed. The vehicle was left on the side of the road. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Electrical System
Filed Jun 30, 2022TX
Brake/abs light on and ecbm for abs not working no anti lock brake system and for the electrical vehicle has all kinds of electrical issues had to remove fuse to radio because of it going bonkers and it wouldn't turn off or down sounds like a fax machine or old school dial up internet sounds all the time and siren sounds were coming from radio and speakers only way to make it stop was to pull the fuse and have had to get multiple four wheel alignments because of steering and steering has to much play in it before suburban turns
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 23, 2021238,239 milesSC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SHIFTING GEARS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THERE WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 238,239.
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 2, 2020270,000 milesTX
THE HYDRO BOOSTER IS DEFECTIVE. THE CAR TRIGGERS MY BREAKS AND MAKES NOISES MAKE STEERING BRAKING DIFFICULT. IT HAPPENS EVERYFAY THROUGHT THE DAY WHILE IM DRIVING
Service Brakes
Filed May 23, 2019150,000 milesWV
ABS BREAKS KICKING IN AT LOW SPEED AND NOT STOPPING ALMOST WRECKED SEVERAL TIMES
Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 22, 2019130,050 milesFL
REAR TAILGATE GLASS HAS SEPARATED FROM THE GLUED ON HINGES AND DROPPED DOWN ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING DESIGN, QUALITY ISSUE AND HAS HAPPENED ON A LARGE NUMBER OF SUV STYLE CHEVROLET VEHICLES AS CAN BE SEEN USING A SIMPLE INTERNET SEARCH CONCERNING THIS ISSUE.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 27, 2019128,000 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH FORCE. A YELLOW SUBSTANCE EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE DEPLOYMENT OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 1, 2019192,000 milesTX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 11, 2018158,000 milesWI
THE TRUCK FAILS TO RESTART AFTER DRIVING IT AN AT FIRST IT WOULD RESTART AFTER 15 - 20 MINUTES AFTER IT SITS AN NOW IT DOES NOT START AT ALL SO FAR I KNOW IT IS HAPPENING TO MORE THAN 20 VEHICLES INCLUDING THE STATE PATROL 2016 SUBURBANS AND SEVERAL OF THE PICKUPS
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 2018FL
CRACKED DASH, NEVER REMOVED, GARAGE KEPT. CRACKED RUNS THROUGH DASH FROM FRONT WINDOW TOWARDS RADIO CLUSTER. DASH HAS SHARP PIECES THAT IN ACCIDENT CAN EASILY BE BROKEN OFF.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 18, 2017170,000 milesMD
THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS HAVE SNAPPED OFF, 4 OF THEM TO BE EXACT. EXHAUST FUMES CAN NOW LEAK INTO TO THE CAB AND POISON OCCUPANTS.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 15, 2017190,000 milesVA
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHORTS OUT AND GEAR INDICATOR GOES BLANK. NO MESSAGE CENTER INFORMATION WARNINGS ARE DISPLAYED. PART IS DEFECTIVE AND CAR MAKERS SHOULD REPLACE IT. NOT KNOWING WHAT GEAR VEHICLE IS IN CAN LEAD TO DEATH IF VEHICLE LEFT IN NEUTRAL AND ROLLS AWAY. GM NEEDS TO FIX THIS EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. ALSO 4L60E TRANSMISSION ON THESE VEHICLES FAILS AND STARTS SLIPPING BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE SUN SHELL AND REAL PISTON SEAL. GM SHOULD RECALL ALL THESE BAD TRANSMISSIONS. WARRANTY SHOULD HAVE BEEN FOR LIFE. WHY SHOULD SUCH AN EXPENSIVE PART TO REPAIR FAIL UNDER NORMAL USE? RECALL ! BOTH THESE PARTS FAIL WHEN DRIVING. ALL WARNING OF VEHICLE CONDITIONS ARE SENT TO FAILED CLUSTER. VEHICLE WAS MADE IN MEXICO FOR RE-IMPORTATION AND SALE IN USA AND MAYBE PARTS SUPPLIERS IN MEXICO PROVIDED DEFECTIVE PARTS. MANY PEOPLE HAVE SUFFERED FINANCIAL LOSS TRYING TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS, LASTLY, THE EMISSION SOLENOID NEAR THE TANK ALSO FAILS. VEHICLE MAY NOT PASS EMISSION. *TR
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Nov 22, 2016149,587 milesMD
WHILE AVOIDING ANOTHER VEHICLE I APPLIED MY BRAKES SUDDENLY. THE BAKE LIKE CONNECTING THE ABS UNIT AND THE REAR BRAKES FAILED DUE TO CORROSION/RUST THAT WAS NOT OBSERVABLE DUE TO THE LINE BEING RAN BETWEEN THE VEHICLES FRAME AND BODY AND GAS TANK. ALTHOUGH THIS LOCATION MIGHT HAVE MADE FOR EASY MANUFACTURING IT HAS LED TO THE LINE BEING IN A LOCATION THAT CANNOT BE VISUALLY INSPECTED TO PREVENT DANGEROUS CONDITIONS FROM BUILDING UP FROM LACK OF AWARENESS. .
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Oct 9, 201693,267 milesMD
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE (VEHICLE HAS 95,387) MILES) AT 40 MPH IN MOTION. STABIL-TRAC LIGHT INDICATED AT THE TIME OF FAILURE, SERVICE BRAKE INDICATOR ON DISPLAY INFORMATION CONSOLE. . DEPLOYED 4WD LOW, DROPPED TO LOWER GEAR AND HIT EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE ON SHOULDER OF ROAD. GOT OUT OF VEHICLE SAW BRAKE FLUID ALL OVER THE SKIDS AND FRAME. CAUSE: TOWED TO LOCAL SHOP INDICATED THAT BRAKE LINES ON DRIVER SIDE AND LINES GOING TO FRONT WHEEL WERE COMPLETELY RUSTY AND "LIKE PAPER". THIS WAS UNSETTLING I DON'T LIVE NEAR SALTWATER BUT DRIVE THE VEHICLE A LOT IN WINTER. HAD I BEEN IN A DENSELY POPULATED AREA, THERE CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE BEEN LOSS OF LIFE. THIS VEHICLE WEIGHS OVER 6000 LBS AND NO BRAKES IS LIKE TO TRYING TO STOP A TRAIN. PLEASE INVESTIGATE SIMILAR FAILURES AS THIS FAILURE IN SIMILAR VEHICLES/ANY VEHICLE COULD CAUSE LOSS OF LIFE.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 30, 2016133,282 milesVA
2004 CHEVY SUBURBAN - SUDDEN & COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. VEHICLE BRAKES WERE INSPECTED IN JULY THROUGH THE VA STATE INSPECTION PROGRAM - NO ISSUES FOUND - TODAY ON 8/30/16 WHILE EXITING A FREEWAY RAMP AT 60MPH TRAFFIC CAME TO SUDDEN STOP. WHEN THE SERVICE BRAKE WAS APPLIED IN WHAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED A STAB/EMERGENCY BRAKING MANEUVER THERE WAS A COMPLETE AND SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE - PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR WITHOUT WARNING, BRAKE WOULD NOT PUMP UP ADEQUATE ENOUGH TO SLOW VEHICLE. I HAD TO USE A COMBINATION OF PARKING BRAKE APPLICATION AND UTILIZING THE SOFT SHOULDER AND DITCH TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR (RED) AND SERVICE INDICATOR DID NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL AFTER THE THIRD OR FOURTH APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. SUBURBAN WAS TOWED. CAUSATIVE FACTORS = RUPTURED BRAKE LINE.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 20, 2016175,000 milesIL
BRAKE LINE (HARD LINE) CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. UNABLE TO STOP ON COMING TO HIGHWAY INTERSECTION USING HYDRAULIC BRAKES. HAD TO RESORT TO APPLYING PARKING BRAKE TO STOP VEHICLE. ON INSPECTION MAIN BRAKE HYDRAULIC LINE RUPTURED- FLUID SPEWED ON ROADWAY AND APPROXIMATELY 1/2 OF FLUID FROM MASTER CYLINDER. LIMITED RESIDUAL PRESSURE FROM SECONDARY WAS UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE WITHOUT MECHANICAL ASSIST FROM PARKING BRAKE.
Power Train
Filed May 31, 2016148,000 milesAK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION, THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION UNEXPECTEDLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 27, 2016KY
DRIVING AS NORMAL ATTEMPT TO STOP AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. NO BRAKES. COASTED TO STOP LUCKILY NOT TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED. INSPECTION REVEALED RUSTED THROUGH BRAKE LINES. AND ALL FLUID GONE FROM MASTER CYLINDER.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Aug 3, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.